Kate Garraway is said to be keeping a vigil by husband Derek Draper’s side as he reportedly fights for his life following a heart attack.
The former lobbyist fell victim to Covid-19 in early 2020, and was left critically ill and hospitalised for more than a year. Since then, Kate has supported her spouse and used her platform to raise awareness of those still suffering after contracting the viral disease.
Following Derek’s latest health crisis, it’s reported Kate has cancelled all upcoming TV and radio work in order to be there for her husband – including taking a leave of absence from ITV programme Good Morning Britain.
It’s claimed Derek was taken dangerously ill last Monday, with friends and family thought to have been altered to his worsening condition. “Everyone is praying for a miracle,” a source has said. “Derek suffered a massive heart attack earlier this week which has left him fighting for his life all over again.”
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ITV)
The source went on to tell The Sun: “It was sudden and a shock as he had been doing so well and was in great spirits, looking forward to Christmas at home with the family. This setback has been a huge blow for his family and all the people caring for him.”
They continued to share that Kate is “by his side 24 hours a day” and is willing her husband to make it through his latest battle and once again beat the odds to “come out on the other side”. The source added how Kate has been incredible while supporting her partner alongside caring for their two children, Darcey and Billy.
Derek’s heartbreaking health battle began back in March 2020 when he was hospitalised with Covid-19 at the start of the global pandemic. The writer fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator – becoming Britain’s longest suffering Covid-19 victim as he spent 13 months in hospital.
He returned home from hospital in April 2021 but still requires care and assistance, as he struggles to return to full health following first contracting the viral disease. After winning her NTA in September 2021, Kate opened up about the reality of caring for a loved one and the state of social care in the United Kingdom.
“There is a lot of challenges that we’re facing now. I am now experiencing being a carer, and the challenges that are there,” the broadcaster told reporters after winning the gong for Best Documentary. “We all know social care has been in the headlines for lots of reasons and for lots of reasons people need support with health and social care,” she continued.
She added: “There are definitely more stories to tell. Let’s hope that Derek’s voice will be giving those stories. We know he’s in there. We just have to get him out.”
The Mirror has approached representatives for Kate and ITV for comment on this story.
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